NICK DRAKE - FIVE LEAVES LEFT Original UK 1969 1ST Press LP
Island ILPS9105
The machine stamped matrix numbers are:
ILPS 9105 A-2U 2 1 1
ILPS 9105 B-2U 2 1 1
Rare 1969 UK first press 10-track stereo vinyl LP on the pink block label. This label design was short lived, with only two albums had their debut release on this label, while five other earlier Island releases were repressed using this design, making these albums highly desirable and very rare. Housed in the original matt gatefold picture sleeve with the lyrics for Three Hours here titled Sundown , Saturday Sun and River Man printed inside.
This copy is housed in a 1st press sleeve with the Island logo and Basing Street address along the bottom edge on the rear of the sleeve - only first issue sleeves had these details.
Despite being nearly 50 years old the vinyl is stunning - it looks unplayed, retaining a glorious just pressed lustre. There are no marks at all - no storage marks, handling marks or any flaws. It is perfect.
A simply superb copy of this extremely hard to find first issue which originated from the library of Basing St Studios
Track Listing
1 Time Has Told Me 3:56
2 River Man 4:28
3 Three Hours 6:01
4 Day Is Done 2:22
5 Way To Blue 3:05
6 Cello Song 3:58
7 The Thoughts Of Mary Jane 3:12
8 Man In A Shed 3:49
9 Fruit Tree 4:42
10. Saturday Sun 4:00
The record is in a lovely clean and shiny NEAR-MINT condition, with only faint spindle marks evident with angled viewing to indicate it has ever been played. I have played it just the once all the way through and it plays and sounds superbly. Apart from these minor blemishes, the record is in almost mint condition.
The labels as previously stated are the textured black block eye logo design. They are clean and bright, and are completely clean and free from any writing, marks or defects with no spindle wear whatsoever.
The gatefold picture cover is in an excellent condition and has been well looked after. The unlaminated Ernest J. Day gatefold has strong colours and is unfaded. There is just a very small amount of wear at the corners at the top and bottom of the spine. The spine itself is solid and the text is clearly visible.
The back of the cover is nice and clean and has no sign of grubbiness at all. It lists the tracks Day Is Done and Way To Blue in the wrong order, which is a printing error. The back cover has the Island logo and Basing Street address along the bottom edge.
The inner gatefold cover also has an error, listing the track Three Hours as Sundown . The left and right sides are in excellent condition, the only blemish being there is slight ringwear at the top of each side, but nowhere else. The edges of the cover are clean and straight and the opening edge has minimal traces of feathering or wear.
Overall an exceptional example of this highly collectable record.
